Years ago, a drinks trolley was seen as a retro addition to a home, but it is now becoming a very fashionable item to have.

I don’t know about you, but I am tempted to set up a drinks trolley/dedicated area in my home at the moment – would you consider it?

If so, here are a few suggestions that may inspire you. Just keep in mind if you have younger people at home that you may prefer something more secure, such as a cabinet that can be locked.

Set up a portable option

If you are someone who does a lot of socialising at home and tends to move from room to room, a portable drinks trolley may be the best option. There are so many drinks trolley options available now in furniture stores, including wooden, glass, gold, brass and silver options.

When arranging your drinks trolley, place your bottles, glasses and accessories on top and make a feature out of it. Ensure you keep it in an area that it can be moved easily when you need it.

Having a drinks trolley as a room accessory allows your guests to help themselves to drinks, giving you more time to circulate and talk to your guests at the party.

Have a tray table

If you do not want to splash out on a drinks trolley, you can buy a tray table. Drinks can be stored safely on the top, as most of these have a rim on the edge of the table itself. This will prevent any falling bottles or glasses. When using this type of tray for your drinks, it can be easily folded up and stored away until you have friends over.

Put your drinks on the sideboard

This is a practical location for storing drinks. You can keep your drinks inside the cabinet and place a tray on top with your colourful accessories and glasses. Most sideboards have a low-level top and this is perfect for preparing drinks. You can design the wall behind the sideboard to fit in with the “vibe” of the room by adding colourful accessories or art.

Go big or go home

If you are fortunate enough to have an area in your home to get a bespoke drinks cabinet made, then use that space wisely. I have seen bespoke drinks cabinets added to an area in kitchens, or open plan space, or even added into alcoves that have awkward angles. Design a cabinet that works for you and your lifestyle.

Place a drinks tray on your worktop

This is a very affordable way to add a drinks area to your home: buy a tray and add your drinks and glasses to it. The tray will keep the items together and can be moved around within the home.

Have a drinks display cabinet

When I was young, we had a drinks cabinet in our “good room” for when visitors came. By having a drinks display cabinet, you make the most of decorative bottles and glasses. Choose an option that suits the style of your home.

Hang your drinks up high

If you are stuck for space, add a drinks area above the worktop: change a cupboard to an open bar where you can display your drinks and hang your glasses. Make a feature out of it in your kitchen.

Completing the look

Extra items that can be added to a drinks cart/trolley include a cocktail shaker, bar spoon, muddler, jigger, strainer, peeler, corkscrew, bottle opener and a bar knife. Other extras like fruit picks and metal cocktail straws can also be useful.

Maura Mackey is an interior designer and home staging specialist based in Ballinhassig, Co Cork. For further information, visit mauramackeydesign.ie

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